Quiz: Are You A Shopaholic?

A lot of people enjoy shopping, but for some people the enjoyment of shopping goes beyond mere bargain hunting and can be part of an addiction. There are many names for this addiction.

Excessive spending is known as compulsive spending, spending addiction or being a shopaholic. What it boils down to is recognising whether your spending habits are out of control. If you get urges to spend that you are unable to control then you may be a shopaholic or spending addict.

Shopaholic Quiz:

Read the following list and count the number of statements that apply:

* Being unable to pass up a "bargain"
* Making impulsive purchases on a regular basis
* Leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned
* Not using items you've purchased
* Lying about the cost of purchases
* Using shopping as a "pick me up"
* Buying luxuries before necessities
* Trying unsuccessfully to curb shopping impulses
* Spending more time or money shopping than you intend
* Devoting a large amount of time shopping and planning future shopping expeditions
* Spending to an extent that interferes with your life (excessive debt) or relationships
* Experiencing withdrawal symptoms from shopping
* Giving up other social or recreational activities to shop

Results:

So how did you go?

If you agreed with 5 or more statements, it's highly likely you are a compulsive shopper or shopaholic. If you agreed with 3 or 4 statements, then you are potentially at risk. Now is a good time to monitor your spending!

If you believe that shopping is in anyway causing self-harm or statement 11 is true (shopping interferes with your life), seek help.